Australia’s international student population continues to face growing financial and health-related challenges, according to the 2024 State of Student Healthcare Report released by Allianz Partners Australia.
The report sheds light on the intersection of economic stressors, healthcare access, and student well-being as key factors shaping the international education experience.
The latest report, now in its second year, draws on survey responses from over 2,000 international students and qualitative insights from focus groups. It arrives at a time when proposed migration policy reforms and rising living costs are prompting concerns about student welfare.
While Australia remains one of the world’s largest destinations for international students per capita, the report suggests that students are increasingly under strain.
More than 60% of respondents said day-to-day living expenses were higher than expected. Almost 30% of surveyed students said they had considered leaving the country due to financial hardship. Securing employment was also cited as a major issue, with over half of students reporting difficulties in finding suitable jobs.
Chris McHugh, CEO of Allianz Partners Australia, said the findings provide a framework for developing better support strategies.
“International students bring so much to Australia – economically, culturally, and socially. But they are also facing a more complex and challenging environment than ever before. Proposed migration caps, financial pressures, and mental health challenges are shaping their experience. This report not only highlights these challenges but also gives us a better understanding from which we can deliver more targeted and effective support for this vital community,” he said.
Healthcare access remains a key area of concern. Just over one-quarter of respondents felt confident in using the Australian health system, and around a third said they were unsure how to respond in a life-threatening emergency.
Long-term residents reported higher confidence, suggesting that familiarity improves over time. However, 60% of respondents cited concerns over out-of-pocket medical costs, and nearly 40% said they would delay care until returning to their home country.
The report also noted that cost pressures are affecting students’ general health. About 31% of respondents said they skipped meals due to high grocery prices, and nearly a quarter could not afford fresh produce regularly. Limited participation in recreational activities and reduced sleep were also common.
At the same time, a separate study by comparison site Money.com.au revealed a trend among younger Australians who are purchasing low-tier private health insurance policies primarily to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). The surcharge applies to individuals earning above $93,000 and families earning over $186,000 annually, and is designed to encourage uptake of private hospital cover. It found that 24% of Australians are selecting hospital insurance to avoid the MLS rather than for health needs. Millennials were the most likely to take this approach (29%), followed by Gen X (24%).
In terms of mental health, more than one in four students reported struggles, and 22% expressed a lack of purpose. Anxiety, stress, and difficulty concentrating were among the issues raised. Despite the challenges, 75% of students said they were satisfied overall with their experience in Australia, pointing to a degree of resilience among the cohort.
Sexual health education also emerged as an area requiring attention. Although 70% of students said they were confident in their sexual health knowledge, a significant minority lacked information on how to access services or felt uncomfortable discussing the topic with providers.
The report underscores the need for more culturally informed and accessible health support structures.
“We cannot overlook the direct link between student well-being and Australia’s success as a global education destination,” McHugh said. “Our role at Allianz Partners Australia is not just to provide insurance, but to deliver real, tangible support – helping students feel healthy, confident, and capable of achieving their full potential during their time here.”
